Walk increases awareness for heart disease step-by-step

Start line at last year's event. (Photo by Mark Haworth) (Photo by Mark Haworth, Photo…)

September 3, 2013

Take steps to raise awareness and funds for heart disease.

The American Heart Association will host "Palm Beach Heart Walk" Sept. 28 at the Meyer Amphitheatre in downtown West Palm Beach.

The event will begin with on-site activities and a stage presentation at 8 a.m., with the walk beginning at 9 a.m.

More than 15,000 participants are expected to attend the non-competitive 5K event including teams of corporate sponsors, local businesses, friends and family.

The event will include a survivor's area, where people who have suffered from a form of heart disease and stroke can celebrate and interact with other survivors. It will include a memorial/tribute wall, tribute stickers and walk torches that can be purchased for $10.

For younger participants, there will be a kids' zone featuring bounce houses and heart-healthy snacks.

The "Heart Walk" is the signature event of the American Heart Association's "My Heart. My Life" healthy-living initiative. Drew Levine, president of G4S Secure Solutions North America, is the chairman of this year's walk. Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw is the "Heart Walk" honorary co-chairman.

"It is an honor to take on this chairmanship role with the American Heart Association," Levine said. "We are committed to raising donor dollars to impact the quality and longevity of lives, while also educating the community through a variety of fun, simple programs focused on better eating and more exercise. This way we focus on the positives and a richer, more enjoyable life."